Meyer Werft cuts first steel for Norwegian Breakaway

Meyer Werft, Papenburg, Germany has cut the first steel for the construction of Norwegian Breakaway, the first of two new Freestyle Cruising(R) ships for Norwegian Cruise Line, set for delivery from the shipbuilder in April 2013. The first plate of steel took four minutes to cut by a plasma torch in the shipyard's state of the art facility. This plate will become a supporting part of the double bottom in the middle of the new ship.

"Today's steel cutting marks the start of construction for Norwegian Breakaway, our next generation Freestyle Cruising ship, that will captivate and amaze our guests," said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian's chief executive officer. "We are extremely pleased with the progress we have made so far in planning this incredible vessel. We now look to the capable and talented team at Meyer Werft to bring this ship to life."

The Breakaway class cruise ships, Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway, will each be 144,017 gross tons and will have approximately 4,000 passenger berths. The names were chosen from 230,000 entries received in Norwegian's Cruising for Names contest held in conjunction with national newspaper USA Today.

The shipyard's managing directors Bernard Meyer and Lambert Kruse, as well as Aloys Meemann, project manager, attended the steel cutting ceremony in the laser center. "We are very happy to build these innovative ships for Norwegian and to continue our long lasting relationship," said Mr. Meyer. "We can guarantee to deliver a cruise vessel with an exceptional interior design, extremely comfortable staterooms and the highest technical standards."

To date, the company has revealed details on all of the ships' staterooms which combine the form and function of the line's Jewel class ships' staterooms with the modern and contemporary design touches of Norwegian Epic. A mix of stateroom options will be available including the innovative Studios, designed and priced for solo travelers, the re-introduction of Oceanview staterooms, Balcony and Mini-Suites, along with Spa Balcony, Mini-Suites and Suites in close proximity to the spa. The ship also features The Haven by Norwegian, comprised of 42 suites at the top of the ship and 18 additional suites located throughout the ship.

The company expects to release details on Norwegian Breakaway's inaugural itinerary in the near future. Further information on Norwegian Breakaway can be found at www.ncl.com/breakaway .